Sarries set to face South Africa

Saracens, their opponents in the third round of the Amlin Challenge Cup will warm up for their contest at Stade Pierre-Antoine with a match against South Africa, the Tri-Nations and world champions.

The Guinness Premiership leaders will host the Springboks on 17 November following their Test against France and prior to games with Italy and Ireland.

"This is yet more evidence of our club's ambitions," said Saracens boss Brendan Venter. I can assure you our players will need no extra motivation."

Saracens are part-owned by a South African consortium led by businessman Johann Rupert, whose daughter Caroline is on a board of directors including ex-Springboks Francois Pienaar and Morne du Plessis, while Venter - another former Springbok - is director of rugby.

The club have started the Guinness Premiership season with four consecutive victories and lead the table by a point from London Irish.

"Many South Africans have been excited by Saracens' outstanding start to the season," said Andy Marinos, acting managing director of SA Rugby.

"We look forward to playing our full part in what will be a great evening for our players and coaches, and also the large expatriate South African community in London and south-east England."

Peter de Villiers, Springboks coach, said: "Overseas tours always provide us with an opportunity to expose our emerging young talents to the international game and this will be a fantastic platform through which to do that.

"We expect Saracens to be tough but we also believe in the abilities of our squad."